Barcelona are preparing to offer Xavi a new long-term contract, according to the player's agent. The 32-year-old midfielder, whose existing deal still has two years to run, remains an integral part of both the Barça and Spain sides.

"Last Friday the club sent us its intention to renew the contract because they want Xavi to sign a new deal, given that the current one ends in 2014," Ivan Corretja said. "Therefore it is normal that we begin to talk about these issues because in June it would be too late."

While Corretja did not elaborate on the length of the deal, he does not foresee too many complications.

"We have always agreed in previous talks and there have never been problems of any kind. For the player it is very important to know that the club remains confident in him. Therefore I do not think there is any problem," he added.